Government officials announced the closure of Progreso’s beaches and boardwalk on weekends.
Weekend mobility restrictions come on the heels of a third wave of COVID-19 infections in the state, which has seen hundreds of new daily cases.
Restaurants on the boardwalk will be allowed to continue operating but cannot set up tables on the beach.
Recreational boats up to 40 feet long will be allowed to operate with a maximum of eight people.
No other coastal municipalities in Yucatán have announced beach or boardwalk closures.
Located 30 kilometers to the north of Mérida, Progreso is a popular destination for domestic and international tourists, as well as people from nearby communities looking to go for a swim and enjoy some seafood.
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The measures come as yet another heavy blow to restaurants and shops in the port city, hoping for a COVID-free summer, after a year and-a-half of turnouts and poor sales.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, several businesses in and around Progreso’s boardwalk have been forced to close.
“We get it, the situation with the virus is really bad, but this is our livelihood, and we are not really getting any support from the government, what are we supposed to do?” said shop owner Josue Ramírez.
On July 26, Progreso is expecting to welcome its first cruise ship in 16 months. There has been no word regarding cancelation, but Yucatán’s alarming rate of COVID-19 infections is a concern.
